Hardtop - Retention Weldnut Thread Repair

Article No.
97-8-1

04/14/97

HARDTOP - RETENTION WELDNUT THREAD REPAIR

LINCOLN-MERCURY:
1991-94 CAPRI

ISSUE:
The following TSB article contains information on thread repair of the weldnuts in the Capote Panel that may have been cross-threaded during installation or removal of the accessory hardtop.

ACTION:
Rethread any stripped weldnuts. Refer to the following Service Procedure for details.

SERVICE PROCEDURE

NOTE:
DURING COLD WEATHER, THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE BROUGHT INTO THE SHOP FOR A MINIMUM OF 4 TO 6 HOURS (PREFERABLY OVERNIGHT) PRIOR TO PERFORMING THE REPAIR TO ALLOW THE CONVERTIBLE TOP TO WARM SUFFICIENTLY SO AS NOT TO CRACK THE REAR WINDOW WHEN LOWERING THE TOP.

NOTE:
THE CONVERTIBLE TOP SHOULD NOT BE LOWERED UNLESS THE TOP STOWAGE COMPARTMENT IS COMPLETELY UNRESTRICTED. OBJECTS THAT MAY HAVE BEEN PLACED THERE OR SLID INTO IT FROM THE LUGGAGE COMPARTMENT MUST BE REMOVED.

1. Lower the top and stow it in the stowage compartment. Refer to the appropriate year Capri Owner's Guide for complete top operating procedures.

2. Cover the rear seat with a protective cover. Tuck the cover under the stowage lid to cover the back portion of the seat to prevent metal cuttings from the repair from entering the vehicle.

3. Check which weldnut(s) need repairing by installing hardtop retention bolts BY HAND ONLY to check for stripped threads.

4. Drill out stripped threads using a 29/64" drill bit.

5. Tap hole using a 1/2"-13 tap.

NOTE:
FOR STEP 6, OBTAIN EMHART HELICOIL SAV-A-THREAD THREAD REPAIR INSERT (PART NUMBER 20506, SIZE M8X1.25) FROM YOUR LOCAL FASTENER SUPPLIER, OR CALL EMHART HELICOIL CUSTOMER SERVICE AT (203) 925-4400 FOR THE NEAREST DISTRIBUTOR.

6. Screw insert into hole flush with top surface.

7. Slide pin into key slot. With a hammer, drive pin down until locking portion is fully installed.

8. Remove shank of pin by striking pin with hammer, bending it toward insert.

9. Repeat as required for each stripped weldnut.

10. Remove the seat cover and raise the convertible top back into closed position. Refer to the appropriate year Capri Owner's Guide for complete top operating procedure.

PART NUMBER PART NAME
(Obtain Locally) EmHart Helicoil Sav-A-Thread
Thread Repair Insert (Part Number 20506-
M8x1.25)

OTHER APPLICABLE ARTICLES: NONE

WARRANTY STATUS: INFORMATION ONLY

OASIS CODES: 105000, 108000, 110000, 190000